They go the extra mile
The NWU has dedicated staff who routinely go above and beyond the normal call of duty. In this article of Eish!'s extra mile series, we give recognition to colleagues who make a difference in other people's lives.
Christi Bester
It is the persistence and dedication of Christi Bester, financial administrative officer of the faculty of Education Sciences on the Potchefstroom Campus, that most impress Prof Josef de Beer, research professor of the School for Natural Sciences and Technology for Education. “When a visiting post-doctoral student from the USA experienced problems with the computer she had to work on, Christi saw that the computer was still under guarantee. However, the computer agency disagreed and said that it would cost almost R8 000 to fix. Christi did not accept that and obtained the necessary documentation and legal advice. In the end the computer was fixed free of charge.”
Sonette Spangenberg
Dr Diana Viljoen also singles out the contribution of Sonette Spangenberg, time-tabling and scheduling officer from the Vaal Triangle Campus, who deserves recognition for always being willing to help with any timetabling issues.
“She pulls magic out of a hat on the spur of the moment to accommodate us with classes and venues.”
Mari-lize van Zyl, Lebohang Motaung, Nombulelo Kumalo, Junior Mthimkhulu
Mandi Wallace, manager of the Centre for Continuing Professional Development (CCPD), nominates the CCPD team consisting of Nombulelo Kumalo, finance officer, Lebohang Motaung, administration officer, Junior Mthimkhulu, marketing officer and Mari-lize van Zyl, administration officer, for the great work they do.
“We are a small department that generates third-stream income by administering all short courses on the Vaal Triangle Campus. My small team generates huge volumes of work.” Mandi says they are very dedicated and definitely go the extra mile. “I’ve never experienced such a motivated team willing to help at all times and do whatever it takes to successfully implement a project.”
Bertus Roux
Swift action and mindfulness on the part of Dr Bertus Roux, manager for higher degrees administration and ceremonies on the Potchefstroom Campus, resulted in the NWU saving R30 000 from the initial quotation when the effects of Brexit (the United Kingdom’s decision to withdraw from the European Union) hit the world’s economies. Rudi van der Merwe, technology transfer and community engagement project coordinator at the Institutional Office, applauds Bertus for timing the new order for secure degrees certificates from the service provider in the UK to benefit from the subsequent drop in the exchange rate after the UK referendum results.
Martie Esterhuizen
Dr Diana Viljoen, subject chair for risk management and senior lecturer at the School for Economic Sciences on the Vaal Triangle Campus, says Martie Esterhuizen, head librarian of the campus library, is a true miracle worker.
“Her patience is almost saintly. She manages to find articles that I would never have found. Martie attends to every query we make whether it is one a day or 10.”
Beula de Beer
“After four and a half months of maternity leave I could just come back and continue my work without any crises to sort out.” Reinette Koekemoer, senior administrative officer of the School of Natural Sciences and Technology for Education on the Potchefstroom Campus, says Beula de Beer, senior administrative officer, handled all her daily tasks in the time when she was away.
“She did this and her own work without any additional help. She never complained about the extra workload and continued her work with a smile.”
If you would like to nominate a colleague who always goes the extra mile, please send an email to willie.duplessis@nwu.ac.za. Remember to indicate your job title and the name of your department or school, as well as those of the person you are nominating. Also give reasons why you think the person goes the extra mile.